Improving care in mental health and addictions at the Waypoint research conference (en anglais)

Posted on 06/05/2018

Waypoint Research Conference aims to improve care in mental health and addictions

From May 14 to 16, 2018, the Waypoint Research Institute hosted its 6th annual conference, Momentum: Research Realized with great success.

Laura Ball (Knowledge Translation and Implementation Coordinator, Andrew Szeto (University of Calgary)
and Dr. John Weekes (Director of Research and Academics)

The conference focuses on implementing evidence-based practices in mental health & addictions. Health care workers, physicians, researchers, professors, policy makers, hospital leaders and students gather to learn, and together, create avenues or bridges to address needs and gaps through collaboration, development and innovation.

In addition to a full conference program, this year featured two full-day pre-conference workshops. Dr. Zoe Hilton presented Trauma Among Psychiatric Workers – Building the Bigger Picture Together. Along with guest speakers Olena Chapovelov and Dr. Rose Ricciardelli, the day was spent addressing the needs of those who work with psychiatric inpatients, while also touching on occupational stress among first responders.

A second workshop supported by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, featured Dr. David J. Robinson addressing the Psychosis Educational Series focusing on antipsychotic polypharmacy, substance use and comorbid health conditions.

Attesting to its steady growth and increasing profile, the Conference attracted two well-respected keynote speakers. Day one opened with Dr. Maureen Dobbins of McMaster University presenting on evidence-informed decision making, explaining its importance in practice, policy, and research, while also addressing ideas on how to implement it in the workplace.

Dr. Andrew Szeto from the University of Calgary, day two’s keynote speaker, captivated the audience with his work on the Campus Mental Health Strategy – a program containing 28 recommendations geared toward changing the culture around mental health. The program projects a whole-organization approach, addressing the fact that everyone is impacted by, and has a role in supporting mental health.

The conference was made possible with the generous support of the Canadian Institute of Health Research, HealthTech Consultants, Waypoint Medical Staff Association, Arcade & Jory’s Guardian Pharmacy and two anonymous donors.

Check out the Waypoint website at waypointcentre.ca in the near future for a sneak peek at next year’s event.